Writing books for kids about ranching, cowboys and Nevada. Jan's Book Blog is about her middle-grade novels, "The Orange Slipknot" and "Starting the Colt"--the progression of events from editing and publication, through marketing, and on to the writing of the sequel. Find out how one author of children's books goes about her writing.
Website: www.janyoungauthor.com

Monday, May 9, 2011

I haven't written for quite a while, but I am happy to report that the sequel to The Orange Slipknot--titled Starting the Colt--is finally in the publication process!

I did four school presentations this spring--I added some photos to my website. I have not started working on another book--my limited "book time" has been mostly spent on preparing presentation slideshows and talks, and marketing The Orange Slipknot.

Marketing is not my favorite activity but I force myself to make phone calls and send emails and faxes. It's never as bad as I think it's going to be, but I procrastinate and build it up in my mind so that I dread it. I am not a good salesman! But in today's publishing world, an author does really need to get involved in marketing.

I have received some great feedback from teachers on the curriculum unit that accompanies The Orange Slipknot. Such as, "These are JUST the kinds of questions we are looking for!"